There are 45,834 children under age 18 in Grand Rapids. U.S Census Bureau, 2008 American Survey Mission: Mission: To improve the lives of our citys youth through public policy, partnerships and innovative programs. We value the active participation and voices of youth in our advocacy and we work to ensure children have the resources they need to be successful in life. Key Areas of Focus : Quality After School Programs Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement Jobs for Youth College access Advocacy for funding & resources to meet the needs of children City & Schools City & Schools State County National Child Our work is dependent on partnerships child-centric shared goals common language win-win mentality big picture vision There can be no keener revelation of a societys soul than the way in which it treats its children. Nelson Mandela The Wow from Partnerships: A quality after school program in every public schoolserving over 10,000 youth, over $24 million in after school funding, & an established ELO Network; Produced Grand Rapids Youth Master Plana big picture framework for what children need Youth are actively engaged in city governmentMayors Youth Council; GR Youth Commission; GR Teen Profile; KidSpeak Produce annually the Grand Rapids Juvenile Offense Index to track progress Have offered over 100 jobs to youth Mayors 50 Launching Learn & Serve initiatives - Project GREEN For more information, contact Lynn Heemstra at or go to